Concerns mount over law that would make hurting K9 more punishable than hurting officer - WTVC
Lawmakers hope the story of Bradley County K9 Joker will spark a permanent change.
K9 Joker is back on the force months after he was shot in the face during a burglary call.
We looked into one lawmaker's concerns about whether a new bill names "Joker's law" would create harsher punishment for injuring an animal over a person.
Joker is well known in Bradley County, support for him made it all the way to the State Capitol in Nashville.
"Historically the assault of a law enforcement K9 has been nothing more than a destruction of property crime, House bill 1646 changes that." says Rep. Mark Hall.
Cleveland Representative Mark Hall wants criminals who hurt K-9's like Jokers to face a felony.
I have several problems with that, I just wish we would keep it in the lane it's always been and that's property and put a value on it" says Representative Bill Hulsey.
Vince Champion with the Internal Brotherhood of Police Officers , thinks the penalties should be equal.
"If you're looking to change the law, to make it an enhance of injuring or killing a police dog, that should be the same penalty as injuring or killing a law enforcement officer, human." says Champion.
"What I find a little astonishing is that a serious bodily injury to a law enforcement officer doesn't even carry punishment that high," says Chattanooga Attorney Bill Speek.
But, Speek says the Joker's Law seems disproportionate.
Obviously, the option for the legislature would be to increase penalties for injuries to officers, we understand that. But it doesn't make sense that a canine service animals injury is worth more than a law enforcement" says Speek
In comparison, he also says the punishment for injuring an officer is 3 to 6 years, this bill would make hurting a K9 carry a punishment of 8 to 12 years.
"I think what has happened here is an emotional reaction to a tragic and criminal act is resulting in a statewide law that can have long term far reaching consequences for 1000s of people." says Speek.
The bill still has several hurdles to go before the full House will vote.
Depend on us to keep you informed
source: https://newschannel9.com/news/local/concerns-mount-over-law-that-would-make-hurting-k9-more-punishable-than-hurting-officer-chattanooga-bradley-county-cleveland-tennessee
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